Fraunhofer Institute for Software and Systems Engineering
Fraunhofer Institute for Software and Systems Engineering

Innamark: Digital invisible watermarks in texts

Protect text data. Maintain control.

Protect text data with watermarks  

In our digitally connected world, countless pieces of text data are created and circulated every day: messages, contracts, business documents, research reports, and much more. As carriers of knowledge and information, texts are part of dynamic data flows—they are shared, edited, passed on, and embedded in new contexts.

But this openness carries risks: How can we trace where a text comes from, who has changed it, or where it has been passed on to?

Innamark is a process developed by Fraunhofer in Germany and currently pending a patent, which invisibly, robustly, and uniquely marks text data with digital watermarks. This makes it possible to trace the origin of a text, how it has been modified, and whether it is still trustworthy or has been altered throughout its entire life cycle.

Whether for contracts and business documents that are agreed upon between several parties, publications or research reports whose authorship must be protected, or website texts such as news or marketing texts, Innamark ensures transparency and control without compromising the readability or usability of the content.

This allows text content to be reliably protected, while authors retain full data ownership over their content.

Learn more about Innamark Discover what we offer

How Innamark works

In order to reliably verify the origin and authenticity of digital content, we use an invisible watermark that is embedded directly into the text. This process allows content to be used and shared as usual without changing its appearance. At the same time, the watermark remains readable at all times, providing a secure basis for clearly confirming the integrity and trustworthiness of the text.

 

Embed watermark

A digital watermark is invisibly integrated into existing text without changing the content or readability.

 

Use, share, and process texts as usual

The text, including the watermark, is visually indistinguishable from the original text and can be shared, saved, or processed as usual. The watermark remains intact, even in excerpts of the text.

 

Read and verify watermarks

The watermark can be checked and read at any time to confirm the origin, integrity, and trustworthiness of the text.

Practical applications of Innamark

© JD8 - AdobeStock

Contract and business documents

Digital watermarks ensure that every version of a contract or business document remains traceable. Changes, transfers, and edits can be traced, which is particularly relevant in complex coordination processes between multiple parties.

© vegefox - AdobeStock

Website texts and marketing content

Digital content such as website texts, blog posts, or marketing materials can also be marked and signed with Innamark. Changes and publications are traceable, while the content remains unchanged and fully usable for readers.

© ipuwadol - AdobeStock

Research reports and publications

Research results, reports, and scientific publications are reliably marked without changing the content. This makes it possible to track who has received, edited, or passed on content, while intellectual property and copyrights remain protected.

What Innamark does

Innamark builds trust in digital text processes, regardless of where and how texts are created, processed, or shared. The technology helps organizations manage content securely, transparently, and across systems.

  • Version security: Each text version remains uniquely identifiable, even in complex coordination, contract negotiations, or collaborative editing.
  • Integrity and authenticity: Manipulations become visible, content remains reliably identifiable, which is crucial for legal certainty.
  • Confidentiality: Sensitive content can be shared and edited without the watermark label being visible.
  • Compliance: Full traceability supports regulatory requirements and reduces risks.
  • Modular and scalable: Innamark can be flexibly integrated into existing processes and IT landscapes, both locally and in the cloud.
  • Robust and invisible: A user cannot visually distinguish a text with a watermark from a text without a watermark. Even when copying and using the text in different applications, the watermark remains intact thanks to its robustness.

Get started with Innamark and back up your text data: Our offer

Innamark can be flexibly integrated into existing processes and IT landscapes, both locally and in the cloud. We accompany you from the initial concept to practical application and ensure that the solution is optimally tailored to your requirements.

Concept development

Together, we develop customized concepts for your specific use cases: from the initial idea to prototype implementation.

Development and integration

Innamark can be implemented as a standalone solution or as an extension (e.g., through an API connection or direct integration) to existing IT systems. We provide support for technical integration and adaptation to your infrastructure.

Training and consulting

Our team of experts provides the technical and conceptual knowledge needed to make optimal use of Innamark.

 

Get to know Innamark

We would be happy to introduce you to Innamark in a short, free, and non-binding demo session and show you how the solution can be used in your environment.

Request demo